With $30K On The Line, Local Tech Startups Make Elevator Pitches

The Leon County R&D Authority is granting a total of $30,000 to local startups on Tuesday evening.

Credit Jessica Palombo / WFSU-FM

Two local startup businesses will walk away with $15,000 grants after an "elevator pitch" event tonight. The event, put on by the Leon County Research and Development Authority, awards the money partly based on audience response.

The finalist businesses will each have five minutes to present their plans before members of the community at the Governor’s Club in downtown Tallahassee. R&D Authority Executive Director Ron Miller says, it’s an innovative way to choose who gets the $30,000 up for grabs.

"We have seven finalists, and all of these seven finalists would like to be successful in promoting their products and services and as a result bring jobs to Tallahassee.”

Finalists range from restaurant software makers to a company that makes electric grinders. And Miller says, for all the companies, the event is a chance for exposure to potential private investors. Two winners will be announced at 7:30 this evening.

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